US vs. Canada To Open Rivalry Series

U.S. Women to Face Canada in Opening Contest of 2019-20 Rivalry Series

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – One of the greatest rivalries in sports will be showcased in Hartford, Connecticut, when the women’s national hockey teams from the U.S. and Canada faceoff at XL Center on Dec. 14. Game time is set for 7 p.m. ET. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting the XL Center box office or online at xlcenter.com.“Our rivalry with Canada is unmatched and fans in Hartford are in for a real treat,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “We look forward to a big home ice advantage and encourage families to come out and support Team USA.”The game, which is part of the 2019 Team USA Champions Series, presented by Xfinity, will be the first between the two hockey powers that will be played in North America in the 2019-20 Rivalry Series. Other games will be announced in the coming weeks.“We’re excited to be coming to Hartford,” said Katie Million, director of women’s national team programs for USA Hockey. “It’s a city with a significant hockey history and we look forward to adding to that.”Fans attending the game will have an opportunity for autographs from members of Team USA following the contest.Team USA is the reigning Olympic champion and has captured gold in eight of the last nine IIHF Women’s World Championships, including five straight.NOTES: Groups of 10 or more attending the game are eligible for $5 off tickets in selected sections. Group tickets can be obtained by either emailing GroupSales@XLCenter.com or calling 860.548.2000 … The Rivalry Series was introduced by USA Hockey and Hockey Canada last season and comprised three games between the women’s national teams of the two countries. The U.S. captured the opening game in London, Ont., by a 1-0 count on Feb. 12, before Canada earned a 4-3 win in Toronto on Feb. 14 and a 2-0 victory on Feb. 17 in Detroit … It is anticipated that two games of the 2019-20 Rivalry Series will take place in December and three in February … The U.S. and Canada have battled in the gold-medal game of every IIHF Women’s World Championship and Olympic Winter Games staged, with just two exceptions (2018 world championship, 2006 Olympics).